A grant of more than £170k has been given to a building preservation group to pay for the repair and refurbishment of a historic buildings in Gedling.
The Gedling Station restoration project has been awarded a grant of £173.286 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Using money raised by National Lottery players The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The group plan to use the cash to help restore the former Gedling Railway Station and Youth Club building on Shearing Hill to its former glory and also renovate the grounds,
A spokesman for the group said: “It will add ‘a much needed community space for the benefit of groups of all ages and a multitude of activities.’
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage.
It uses money raised by National Lottery players to support projects that connect people and communities to heritage.
Their vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.
A spokesman for the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.”
Police have released images of a man and a woman they wish to trace after nearly £4,000 of products were stolen from a Boots store in Netherfield.
The incident happened on Thursday, May 8 just before 12.30pm at the store on Victoria Retail Park.
A man and woman have entered the store and have taken a range of beauty products before leaving the store without payment.
Officers have carried out a number of lines of inquiry to locate those responsible including trying to locate the vehicle they travelled in.
They have now released two images of people who could help them further their inquiries and are calling on the public’s help to identify them.
PC Tony Mait, who is investigating the incident, said: “It is vitally important we catch those responsible and bring them to justice.
“This was a high value theft and will have had a detrimental impact on the business. We have released images of two people who could help us further our investigation.
“Can the public help us locate them? Do you know the two people in the images? Are you the two people in the images? Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting occurrence number 25000 382 006 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
WHSmith in Arnold town centre has officially become TGJones following completion of rebrand work.
In June 2025, WHSmith sold its high street business, with all stores set to be rebranded over the coming weeks.
The store on Front Street is one of the first to be rebranded.
Store Leader, Kellie King, said: “Seeing the new storefront being installed and putting on our TGJones uniforms for the first time has been a great moment.
“There’s a real sense of pride among the whole team. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and ready to grow with the new brand and offer our customers an even better experience as TGJones.
“It’s a very positive milestone in the history of this much-loved business and an exciting time for TGJones and its employees.”
Plans to convert a house in Daybrook into a HMO have been submitted.
The application, submitted by Alex Betts of Call Space Developments, is for 15, Church Drive in the Arnold suburb.
Proposals will turn the house into house in multiple occupation (HMO) if approved by Gedling Borough Council.
It will house 15 people if plans are given the green light.
The plans submitted said there would be the demolition of the existing garage, construction of a wraparound single-storey rear and side extension, and internal reconfiguration.
A rear-facing L-shaped dormer, a roofed structure that projects vertically, and two front rooflights are also proposed.
The application was declared on July 7, after being submitted on June 23.
People in Gedling borough are being reminded by Nottinghamshire Police to remain vigilant during the summer months and protect their homes and vehicles from opportunistic criminals as another spell of warm weather approaches.
The force’s crime prevention officers are keen to emphasise that many crimes can be prevented by ensuring everyday security measures are in place as temperatures rise and daylight hours extend.
Crime prevention officer Yvonne Pickersgill, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We know that burglary is a deeply invasive and upsetting crime, which is why we take all reports so seriously as a force.
“Behind each incident is a person, many of whom may be vulnerable or repeat victims, and we have visited 13 properties so far this month across the county.
“While I’m sure many homeowners will be keen to break out the barbecue and paddling pool, please remember to keep your shed or garage securely locked.
“Unfortunately, the recent spell of hot weather and the approaching heatwave has contributed to reports of burglaries with offenders gaining access through ground-floor windows left open.
“We are seeing a trend of opportunistic burglars who will use smaller windows or those left ajar to open a larger window and gain access to a property.”
Yvonne added: “The essential tips are often the most obvious: ensure that all your doors and windows are securely locked.
“Don’t leave windows ajar because that might invite an opportunistic burglar to reach inside or jemmy a window to gain access.
“If you’ve got a door or window that isn’t working correctly – make sure you rectify it as soon as possible.
“Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard by neighbours or passers-by as this will expose them, but steps can be taken to make it more difficult for criminals to operate.
“This can include improving appropriate lighting, installing perimeter fencing, keeping an area clear and visible, and using robust closed-shackle padlocks.
“We would always urge people to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity to Nottinghamshire Police as soon as possible.”
Beat the burglars
Police are urging people to follow their key prevention advice to help keep your home secure.
Ensure doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home
Keep gardens clear – so that would-be criminals are visible from the street and cannot easily hide
Keep ground-floor windows closed and locked overnight. Do not leave them ajar
Keep valuables, electronic devices, and keys out of sight from doors and windows
Secure garages and garden sheds and don’t leave tools out that could assist a break-in
Consider planting thorny shrubs to create an effective natural deterrent
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.
There has been an outpouring of sadness online over the imminent closure of a family-run greengrocers on Carlton Square.
Many say Fresh Weigh stocks ‘wonderful produce’ and will be ‘sadly missed’ when it closes on Saturday, July 26.
The team running the store said it was ‘with a a heavy heart’ that they had to announce the closure of their ‘little shop’.
In a social media post they wrote: “We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the unwavering support over the years. We have made many friends and shared many smiles and conversations over the years and it had been a true pleasure to serve you all and we will cherish the memories made in this shop forever.”
Floods of comments poured in on their Facebook page about the closure of Fresh Weigh on Carlton Square.
Kirsty Brydges wrote: “Oh no that’s very sad news, such a shame, you will be missed.”
Susan Smith commented: “I will miss you. Sorry to hear that you are closing. All the best for the future.”
Sarah Doig wrote: Absolutely gutted. Such a great team of people with wonderful produce. You’ll be very much missed. So sad
The family of a much-loved great-great grandmother who died after her mobility scooter was hit by a speeding driver have paid tribute to a ‘beacon of love, hope and kindness.’
Doreen Raynor, known lovingly as Mar Raynor, was fatally injured at a pedestrian crossing in Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, on Saturday 4 March 2023.
Mrs Raynor, a mother of 13 children and a much-loved figure in St Ann’s and Sneinton, was crossing the road when she was struck by an Audi A1 being driven by Rayner Middleton.
A police investigation revealed that Middleton, now aged 31, had accelerated past another car and approached the lights as they turned from green to amber.
Doreen Raynor, known lovingly as Mar Raynor, was fatally injured at a pedestrian crossing in Huntingdon Streetshe was struck at speed by an Audi being driven by Rayner Middleton.
The collision occurred at the moment the lights turned red.
The 89-year-old Mrs Raynor was knocked from her scooter as she began to cross the road prior to the lights going green.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died shortly after being taken to hospital.
Forensic collision investigators determined that Middleton had been travelling well in excess of the speed limit as she made her way up the road – and was travelling at between 43 and 44mph when she saw Mrs Raynor and attempted to brake 2.6 seconds before the collision.
Had she have been adhering to the 30mph speed limit, any resulting collision would have happened at a far lower speed or been avoided altogether.
Rayner was arrested at the scene and was later found to have traces of cocaine in her system.
She later pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care / consideration while over the specified drug limit.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) , Middleton, of Nelson Road, Daybrook, was sentenced to four years in prison and disqualified from driving for four years.
She will need to pass an extended test before being allowed to drive again.
‘A beacon of love, hope and kindness’
Speaking after the sentencing, Mrs Raynor’s family said in a statement.
“Mar Raynor was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
“She was the most amazing, caring and selfless person who would see the good in everyone.
“She would take homeless people under her wing – giving them food, drink, and clothing.
“She didn’t judge another person for who they were or their circumstances, she would always say they were ‘someone else’s child – they deserved to be loved.’
“That phrase was typical of strongest person we know – a pillar of our family and our community.
“Because she was’ just’ our Mar’, she was also a beacon of hope, love, kindness, and a confidant for countless people.
“…Whilst we are all heartbroken, we will continue to honour Mar Raynor’s memory by trying to now move on and live our lives, showing that same kindness and compassion that she showed to the world.
“She may be gone, but her spirit and her legacy will live on in the lives of those she touched.”
Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, of Nottinghamshire Polcie, said:
“This was a tragic incident that led to the death of a woman who was beloved by so many people.
“What’s makes this case even worse is that what happened was entirely preventable.
“Had the driver in this case been travelling at an appropriate it is extremely unlikely that Mrs Raynor would have died that day.
“The driver will now have to live with what she has done – and the strain this case has placed on her own family – for the rest of her life.
“With that in mind I hope this incident serves as a warning to others about the potential consequences of such careless and reckless behaviour behind the wheel.
“As this case comes to a close, I would also like to put on record my thanks to Mrs Raynor’s family for the patience and humility they have shown throughout what has been an extended legal process.”
A group of councillors have started a petition demanding that homes are not built in Gedling borough’s green spaces.
The online petition – Save Gedling’s Green Spaces from Labour’s Development – went live this week.
Councillor Mike Adams says it has been prompted by the proposed Local Plan which identifies land that could be used for housing in the future.
The petition says: “These cherished green spaces are under imminent threat due to plans proposed by the Gedling Labour Council, which aim to build over 11,000 new properties—a staggering 45% increase that will obliterate much of the green belt.
This plan targets areas such as Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Ravenshead, Bestwood, Bardolph View, Rivendell and Mapperley Golf Course, some of which were previously promised protection.
For many residents of Gedling, these green spaces are more than just plots of land; they are vital parts of our lives. They contribute to our mental health, community strength, and local biodiversity. Building over them jeopardizes not only the future aesthetics of the borough but also our quality of life.”
Gedling Borough Council is set to invite residents, businesses, and community groups to have their say on its new Local Plan.
The first stage of consultation, known as the “Issues and Options” phase, will launch on July 21, with views being sought on possible options for the Local Plan’s policies, which cover a wide range of topics including housing, employment, retail, community facilities, recreation and open space, nature conservation and other land uses.
As part of this, comments will be invited on the number of new homes that the Council should plan for and where these should be located. Developers have put forward several sites for development and these form the starting point for further assessment and review before specific sites are proposed for development in the next stage of plan preparation.
They said: “At this stage no decisions have been made. The government has introduced changes to the national planning framework with guidance on identifying ‘grey belt’ land, land that was previously green belt that may be prioritised for housing. Views are also being invited on how the council should balance housing needs whilst protecting green belt.”
Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan is one of the most important processes a council will take to help improve the growth of its borough and we are very pleased that work will start on our plan.
“The government has made it clear that housing growth is vital to economic success. We know housing is a major concern, whether you’re worried about overdevelopment or struggling to find a home. This consultation is not just about homes, it is your opportunity to influence the future of the borough including where we can improve local park spaces, business and enterprise space and community spaces.”
A fox has been rescued by Carlton fire crews after becoming stuck in a wall gap between properties in Mapperley.
The animal in question was a curious little fox who had got stuck between a wall and an outbuilding on Kent Road.
The Carlton Fire Station crew quickly got to work formulating a plan to rescue the fox.
With authority from the home owner and a little help from a local builder the wall was partly removed to allow the animal to be freed.
With a little help from a local builder the wall was partly removed to allow the fox to be lashed by the RSPCA Nottingham.With authority from the home owner and a little help from a local builder the wall was partly removed to allow the animal to be freed
A spokesman for the fire station said: “We suspect the fox was looking for an easy meal but then got stuck when the rendering on the outbuilding stopped it in its tracks.
“Once rescued the fox was given a check over and allowed to return to its den.
“We’d like to thank the local builder for the help, and the homeowner who couldn’t do enough to help us.”
The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council has plans to make council meetings quicker and more “business-like” – but the Reform authority’s deputy was accused of time wasting after spending more than 20 minutes answering questions.
The county council met yesterday (July 10) in its second full council meeting since Reform UK stormed the polls in the May 1 local elections with a 41-seat majority.
There have been talks from the authority’s leader, Councillor Mick Barton (Ref), to streamline council meetings to make them more “business-like”.
County council full council meetings are routinely an all-day affair, starting at 10.30am and having an official cut off of 5.30pm – but constitutional changes could amend this.
Councillor Mick Barton wants to streamline council meetings to make them more “business-like
Speaking to the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Barton said: “Constitutionally, we just want to make [meetings] more business-like.
“We don’t want to stop people asking questions and being informed, or questioning cabinet or the leader, we just want to see if we can streamline and make things more efficient… and more understandable for the public.”
When asked how he thinks plans to make meetings quicker is going, the leader replied: “It’s too early to say. This is only my second full council meeting.”
He continued “we’re going to have a constitutional review [for all meetings]” and said constitutional changes to the format of meetings could happen in future “if need be”.
But shortly before this, his deputy, Cllr John Doddy (Ref), spent more than 20 minutes responding to his colleague’s questions about women’s health during the meeting – earning five interjections from opposition members.
Cllr Cathy Mason’s (Ref) asked about challenges faced by Nottinghamshire women and why they live in ill health longer than men and later asked what was being done to mitigate this.
This was question six out of 15 during the meeting and one hour is allocated during full council meetings for questions and answers – any unanswered get a written response.
Cllr John Doddy, deputy leader, and also the chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, responded: “I can say the answer to that question could last many days… it would be quite difficult to confine it to a short period of time.”
He then described how women’s life expectancy is around 83 years on average compared to 79 years for men – meaning an extra four years of ill health on average – and spoke about socio-economic disadvantages for women and reproductive issues.
After seven minutes of Cllr Doddy speaking, Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab) called a point of order – an interjection highlighting a potential breach of meeting procedures – saying he was not answering the specific question, that he was “filibustering” and accused the deputy of “stopping” later questions being asked.
Filibustering is when a politician speaks for a lengthy amount of time on a topic to purposely obstruct the legislative procedures happening at the time.
Cllr Doddy then proceeded by signalling a drawn-out timeline approach to his answer, speaking about various life stages for women, which was met with laughs from the Reform group.
A further four point of orders were called during Cllr Doddy’s speech-like answer to Cllr Mason’s questions and he was further accused by the opposition of preventing later questions being asked.
When asked about his deputy’s lengthy response to Cllr Mason’s questions, Cllr Barton told the LDRS: “He probably did go on a little bit too long, but [opposition] added [more time] to that by interrupting him.
“It’s a very important subject. [Cllr Doddy] is at the forefront of [those issues], he is chairing the [health] committee – I thought it was very interesting.”
Over one third of the meeting’s questions section was taken up with Cllr Doddy’s response, which could work against the leader’s plans for more efficient meetings.
With opposition members’ concerns over filibustering, this asks whether there were certain topics the Reform group were purposely avoiding speaking on.
It appears the budding Reform authority is still in early stages with some of its efficiency plans, but the leader thinks there could be some changes in the near future.
When asked if there was a preferred timescale for full council meetings in the future, Cllr Barton told the LDRS “it depends what’s on the agenda” and called the 5.30pm meeting end time “ridiculous”.
The leader added a constitutional review would take place over the next three months with potential changes to meeting procedures happening by the autumn.
